Do kilmore really want robbo or is it he just wants to go back home, personally don't think they need him.

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Personally i dont think they need him. Recruited really well and will challenge this year. A number of young blokes have taken his role in the team and will only play because he 'promised' Wally the president.

For the first time in several years it has been good to open the clearances page and see many "ins" for Centrals, it has been a fairly dry couple of years for recruits at Maccy Park, but it seems with a new coach we see new fortunes. Centrals were in the finals race like many others right up until the final rounds last year and under Wheelahan will have firmly set their sights on a top 6 finish in 2012. With the only notable loss at this stage being Justin Watkins who had been one of the real shining lights for Centrals moving on this season due to relocation. There is a definite air of confidence coming out of Maccy Park and an improvement in competitiveness coming from this line up is assured. Centrals have always been a physically tough opponent to face and this year promises no less. Players in: Centrals have been able to add several experienced players in RDFL ranks. Steve "Spud" James will be a vital pick up for Centrals as it will allow Jono O'Brien the freedom to be released from ruck duties, Adam Fenton will give them a target to straighten up with and while many wouldn't remember him, if Chris Carrassellos is injury free, he will be a massive bonus for Centrals. The recruits out of Deer Park will be the ones that many eyes are on early, to see how they perform on the RDFL stage.Players out: The only notable loss for 2012 is Watkins, so Centrals have done well to maintain the playing list and begin building on it.Who's flying: Brendan Lees is one of Centrals younger brigade that will be looking to take it to the next level in 2012 and from all reports has had a huge preseason.Wildcard: Has to be Jono O'Brien, youngster that could provide the x-factor with the recruits coming in, over previous years has been used as a stop gap player due to his talent, but not having to shoulder responsibility like rucking will free him up to cause damage around the ground.Finish: Everything points to Centrals being well and truly in the mix for a top 6 spot again in 2012, the recruiting has been solid and the improvement will come, could be a surprise packet to many sides in a similar vein to Rockbank last year.

The Hawks head into 2012 with a new coach, proven at RDFL level of building a list through youth and home grown talent. The question for the Hawks in 2012 will be what can they achieve out of their young list, while they haven't lost many players from the Senior list last year, one of the most experienced contributors in Ross Waters has moved on and a couple of youngsters that likely may have played a role have moved on. But the Hawks were in the finals mix last year with the young list they had at their disposal and will most likely be there again. The young players that received game time in 2011 will only get better from that experience and with Hopkins leading the way, the Hawks will have high hopes for the season ahead. Players in: The Hawks are yet to have any new signings for 2012.Players out: Ross Waters will have an impact on the Hawks list, he was one of the most experienced players at the club and a valuable utility.Who's flying: Not much has come out of the Hawks. Young Max Ambler was very good at the Trentham lightning series and could finally push into the senior side this year.Wildcard: Jimmy Hepburn has the ability to turn a game on it's head, the small forward has been compared to Steven Milne as a little pest that can get under the opposition skin, but he does it well and backs it up.Finish: It will be a big ask for the Hawks to push into the Top 6 this year with other sides recruiting around them, the kids will improve though and that has to be the target, they have good enough youngsters to build a future premiership side around.

The Magpies finished last season in 6th position, snatching the final spot in the 6 that so many sides coveted, unfortunately they were demolished in the first final by eventual runner up Sunbury. All in all it was an inconsistent season for the Magpies, at stages they looked to be a contender, taking it up to the best sides in the competition, but they dropped games to sides below them at crucial moments, if this happens in 2012 they will miss vital opportunity. The Magpies have a couple of key signings for the 2012 season, they will hope that the youngsters from the Under 18's can continue their improvement, Suban, Schraven and hopefully get some games into Trotman, a very much wait and see with Wallan at this early stage. Players in: Zeralla is a hard at it defender from the Bombers and will be a good addition to the Magpies list if he can stay injury free, Mancini and Blake Holmes will be good replacements for Robertson while Poorter will give the Magpies another forward target to help out Cornish.Players out: Robertson is the obvious, but the loss of Irons will also have an impact.Who's flying: Another side that surprisingly have been very quiet during the off season, its a different tact for the Magpies who are usually quite vocal at this time of year.Wildcard: Dave Cornish has the ability to keep the Magpies in any game single handedly, when he is on, he is almost impossible to shut down, the former Steve Turner medalist will be important for Wallan again in 2012.Finish: Very much a wait and see proposition at this stage of the year, but irrelevant of anyone's personal opinion, will be hurt by the loss of Robertson and Irons, hopefully Poorter will provide relief for Cornish and Holmes will have an impact through the midfield.

Kilmore had a tough start to season 2011 with inner turmoil and changes in leadership only weeks before the start of the season. By the time the dust settled the Blues were behind the 8 ball and left pondering what might have been, finishing just outside of the finals. This season, the Blues have had a solid preseason under new Coach Chris "Doona" Nolan and look to have built a list capable of not only contending for a finals position but pushing into week two or three. With a season under the belt of the Gordon brothers and Shane Jacobs and the return of Robertson as well as the addition of Kenna, the Blues are well and truly positioned for a big 2012. Players in: Big wraps on Kenna and the obvious addition of Robertson will be a boost. The Blues have built on the midfield rotation and have a midfield that will compete with the best opposition. The return of Swindles is a positive as he is a talented youngster that played 18s for the club and Damien King will also add another hard body. Also keep an eye on the Craigieburn recruits.Players out: With the recruits the Blues have offset any losses.Who's flying: Shane Jacobs has been tearing up the track along with young Tom Snaith who is likely to get a game early. Matt Zanini has had a huge preseason.Wildcard: Alex Desmond was superb last season and still only young, has a penetrating kick and the ability to run and carry the ball, with a strong midfield around him, watch for this young man to have a break out year.Finish: Have added much needed depth as well as improving the list at the top end. Weren't too far away last year despite the issues and with a more balanced preseason and a strong list with excellent leadership, the Blues will be a contender in 2012.

FinalsElimination Final - Defeated Diggers RestSemi Final - Lost to Romsey

The Cats have again recruited well in 2012 but for the first time have also lost a couple of regular senior players that may well impact them for season 2012 starting with 2011 B&F winner Wilton. The Cats usually like to go about their business quietly and this season is no different. Two big names in Neeson and Howard might make that impossible early though. Last year, the Cats started the season with a bang before running into the Redbacks and Roos, but were able to bounce back and become the only side to defeat the Redbacks in the regular season last year. The younger Cats players are a year older and will look to go a step further than last years Semi Finals. Players in: Obviously the two big names are Neeson and Howard. But not much is known about the rest of the list of in's, early season form should be a strong gauge as to where the Cats stand.Players out: Wilton is a big loss, tall running utility's don't grow on trees. Al Collins was a much maligned player throughout the league, but his ability to find the ball outside of the contest will be missed by the Cats.Who's flying: Pretty quiet again out of Tony Clarke. Will be interesting to see who starts the year with a bang.Wildcard: Josh Clough had a huge finals series for the Cats and the youngster is set to have a big year in 2012.Finish: Another year down and another year of question marks around the young Cats ability to win the ball in a heated contest, but they were much improved last year. Defeating the Redbacks and then pushing them in the Semi Final. Much to look forward to from the Cats this year, I am putting them well and truly in the mix, but at this stage, where they will fit is still a mystery this early.

Went and saw Kilmore 2 weeks ago and he moved really well and looks like he has shed a few kgs witch needed to happen. Wallan and Kilmore will be a game too watch, both camps will be looking to kick off the season with a big 4 points.

Then thats TWO weeks longer than that embarrassing rabble....re- the worst football team & club in Australia, deserve to stay floundering in existence......... Kyneton !

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Where happier getting flogged than coming to your 4th rate putrid league. No Wonder why all ur good kids are getting out of the league. Huntley, o loghlin Malone, cause the majority of players they play against wouldn't get a game in any bfl side.

Where happier getting flogged than coming to your 4th rate putrid league. No Wonder why all ur good kids are getting out of the league. Huntley, o loghlin Malone, cause the majority of players they play against wouldn't get a game in any bfl side.

Where happier getting flogged than coming to your 4th rate putrid league. No Wonder why all ur good kids are getting out of the league. Huntley, o loghlin Malone, cause the majority of players they play against wouldn't get a game in any bfl side.

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Take it back to the Bendigo board, your 2nd rate trolling isn't welcome here.

Good night at Harrison Hyundai tonight for the RDFL season launch. Thanks to all involved in putting the doo on, I think all clubs were represented which is important. Good chance to have a mingle and a chat in a laid back atmosphere prior to things getting a bit fair dinkum in 3-4 days time

After another long preseason we are finally ready to kick off the 2012 year with a big round one of matches.

Melton Centrals Vs Lancefield
This game is of the utmost importance for these two sides. Centrals haven't won a first round contest for several years and the Tigers had a rough year last year and will be keen to hit the scoreboard early. Centrals have had a very solid preseason with some good recruiting and a new attitude under new coach Brian Wheelahan. With strong numbers on the track and a sense of optimism, they will be primed to start the season off strongly. The Tigers have picked up journeyman John Baker over the past couple of days, which will strengthen them up forward and give the young guys a target to kick to.Key:
Centrals need to continue on the ability to win the contest, they are one of the sides in the competition to have the physicality to stay in the game as they have proved several times in the past. With the Tigers younger bodies, Centrals will look to flex their muscles in this area.
The Tigers will need the game to stay open and give the young guys room to run and carry. They have a couple of players capable of impacting the contest and last year pushed Centrals to the limit, so many of the younger players that played in that game will have the confidence to take it up to Centrals.Player to watch:
Centrals - Josh Armstrong has been a stalwart for Centrals, coming off a bag of goals in the last practice match, Armstrong will be even more dangerous with other forward options taking some of the pressure off.
Lancefield - John Baker has switched clubs many times over the past 24 months and has headed back to Lancefield, even though he did the same for 1 game last year. Here's hoping he hangs around a bit longer this season.Tip:
Huge game for both of these sides heading into the season, a win early provides confidence and sets the year up the right way, a loss puts everyone on the back foot early.Melton Centrals by 30 points

Woodend/Hesket Vs RockbankBoth of these sides have been impacted over the off season with some key losses from their 2011 lists, both sides were in the mix for the finals right up until the last couple of Rounds last year and will be keen to kick off the season with a win. The Hawks biggest arrival is the Senior Coach, Glen Hopkins is very well respected within the league as being able to build finals sides from within, developing the youth to be a contender in the competition, he had only success with this formula at Diggers Rest and will be keen to do the same at the Hawks, especially with some of the outstanding youth at the club. The question remains will they be placed well enough to contend for a finals position in 2012. The loss of Ross Waters will hurt with experience and size, but the Hawks have several talented young players, led by Jake Owen and Alex Shipard that they will promote through the year. A win at home in Round 1 will be essential to kicking the season off with a positive. The Rams will be disappointed with the losses from their line up. To lose Nathan Jackal and Leigh Sobotnicki is going to hurt. But they have recruited ok so far. The return of Michael Kennedy is a huge boost, he made the RDFL team of the year for the Rams two years ago. The question remains, will the signings be enough to cover for the losses. Only time will tell.Key:
The key for the Hawks will be the ability to spread from the contest and find the ball out wide to allow the young quick line up to run and carry. They have several good users of the ball and if they are able to find space to deliver forward then the Rams will have trouble closing down the forward options.
The key for the Rams will be winning the ball in the contested situations, they are probably a little harder bodied than the Hawks, so if they can keep the game a little more contested and not allow open flowing football then they will have a slight edge. Player to watch:Woodend/Hesket - The Hawks need to put on early scoreboard pressure to really put the Rams under the pump. James Hepburn is the key to this, he can score and score quickly, if Hepburn can be involved in 2 or 3 early ones, he will put the pressure back on the Rams to chase, recent history suggests the Rams don't chase well from 3 or 4 goals back.
Rockbank - Jake Armistead is a really talented youngster, whether playing in the midfield or off the half back line, he is the one player that will allow the Rams to move the ball into space, he can win inside and outside ball and uses it well.Tip:
Both sides will be keen to start the season off well. Much of how the season fortunes of both of these sides may pan out in the early going, so this is an interesting game in that context. While I think both will miss the finals, both are capable of confidence football. Woodend/Hesket by 8 points.

Broadford Vs Sunbury KangaroosAn interesting match to start the season for both sides. Broadford get to measure how the recruits weigh up against last years runner up, while Sunbury get to face an opponent that will put solid pressure on over the course of the day. Broadford continued to improve as the season went on last year and with the few recruits that they were able to pick up will be hoping to continue to improve and show that in the early stages of the season. A strong showing against Sunbury should give them the confidence moving forward. Sunbury had a rough preseason, but have settled in time for Round 1 and will be looking to make a statement early, they have lost a couple of important players but were able to recruit players they believe will be able to cover them. They were lucky enough to secure a big signing late in the piece with Kayne Murphy who will add depth to the midfield, if he gets cleared in time for this game. Both sides have different statements to make in Round 1, but both will be desperate to make it.Key:Broadford continue to improve but lack the depth to cover the field, they need to be able to stick to their strengths and get the ball into the right hands, they have some players with plenty of talent but need to use them. Finding avenues to goal is the biggest test, they won enough of the ball through the midfield last season, but lacked a target to kick a score.
The Kangaroos need to re-establish themselves and find balance through the midfield and forward line, the back 6 have always been well balanced but at times have lacked support from the midfield pushing back, which is masked alot of the time thanks to Jamie Cuffe pushing back there. If they can receive help from the midfield then they have a strong enough forward line to kick a massive score, they just have to stop the opposition kicking a score.Player to watch:Broadford - Should have the return of Marcus Webb to watch out for this week, a seriously good midfielder that will add depth to the current midfield.
Sunbury - Brenton Sutherland played last year as a key defender and had a very good year, close to breakout, but he is also a very good ruckman, if he gets the opportunity to play as backup to Fishenden he will be a player to watch in 2012.Tip:Broadford have recruited fairly well over the off season, as has the Kangaroos, while I think that Broadford will be much improved this year, they have a big ask facing a side raring to respond to last years GF loss.Sunbury Kangaroos by 58 points.

Kilmore Vs WallanThe traditional first round clash between these two clubs as it has begun will be as big as ever. This year, we again saw the obligatory switch of clubs by Matt Robertson, a big recruiting push by the Blues and Wallan flying under the radar. This game is always a cracking contest to kick off the year, if I remember correctly, last years game saw only a 1 point margin at the final siren. The Blues will be really eager to turn the fortunes of previous years, Wallan have always managed to pick up this first round win, so the Blues players should be on high alert ready to go this week. The Magpies have picked up a couple of handy types and kept most of their list together. Scott Gilchrist has a good group of young guys pushing through from the Under 18's who will be keen to show their wares in the senior game. A loss here starts the season off on the wrong foot for both sides and puts them behind the 8 ball, so both will be eager for this clash.Key:The Blues have strengthened the midfield over the off season and have a very strong rotation group to throw at 2012. They can win both the contested ball and spread to give options outside of the contest, so if the Blues midfield gets on top, they will be very tough to close down.
The Magpies have a few wildcards that can turn a game on it's head, if these guys are given the freedom and space to have an impact on the contest then the Blues could find themselves a long way down very quickly.Player to watch:Kilmore - Alex Desmond is a quality youngster out of Assumption, is hard at the football, has excellent balance and can use the football exceptionally well. Not only finds the ball through the midfield but can push forward and kick goals.
Wallan - Dave Cornish is an RDFL Steve Turner medalist and proven goal kicker. When he is in touch is very hard to shut down.Tip:This is going to be a ripping, physical contest to kick off the year. The side that can get on top in the contested ball stakes is going to have an advantage early.Kilmore by 14 points.

Macedon Vs Diggers RestRecent rivalries rarely come as big as these two. For several years running they have gone head to head in the first week of finals with the Burra coming out on top until last season. Diggers have had a big preseason with a new coach bringing in new faces. There has been plenty of talk around the traps of likely improvement coming from the Burra due to the recruits, none bigger than Brent Tuckey. The Cats have been quiet over the off season as usual, but have some big recruits of their own, including Scott Howard from the VFL. The Cats will be eager to have an early win at their home ground.Key:Much like another game in this round, it will be much about the ability to spread and run for Macedon, while the contested side of the game will be to the Burra's advantage. There is plenty of room at Tony Clarke and the Cats know how to use it. They have lost a couple of key players to that formula, but will hope the recruits can easily fill the void and the younger players can go to yet another level.
The Burra's game style will be interesting, whether they remain tried and true with some minor tinkering by the new coach or if they overhaul their game style all together. The beauty of this list for the new coach is that they are very adaptable, most of these players have been able to adapt their game style to what is required of them.Player to watch:Macedon - One of the most exciting players in the finals series last year was young Josh Clough for the Cats, after a huge finals series, Clough is the player to watch for this year. He is relatively new to football but seems to really be finding his feet now.
Diggers Rest - Everyone's eyes are going to be on the new recruits in 2012, especially those with AFL experience and Brent Tuckey is certainly going to be one of those. The interest around the impact he will have on the Burra forward line and whether that will free up those around him will be worth keeping an eye on.Tip:This one is a tough one to tip. Both sides have recruited very well, although it seems the Cats have lost some importance to their side that might just be the difference.Diggers Rest by 10 points.

Match of the Round
Romsey Vs RiddellThe last 2 premiers go head to head in the opening round of the year in what is the match of the round. The Bombers have a history of fronting up to Round 1 matches in the past, presumably underdone and then blowing away their opponents to make a season opening statement. The Redbacks are coming off the premiership and will be keen to make a statement of their own, one that they are not going to rest on their laurels after last years victory. These two sides were also probably the leading sides when it comes to recruiting over the off season. The Redbacks have lost players from the Premiership side, but where able to replace them with very capable replacements. The Bombers were able to bring back into the fray several former players that returned to take the Bombers back to the top.Key:The Redbacks will be looking to isolate the Bombers into 1 on 1 contests at worst, both sides will win the football in both contested and in the open, so it will be about spotting up the right option to kick to rather than allowing the Bombers to push numbers to the contest.
The Bombers will attempt to push numbers to every contest, then build an attack from sweeping the ball away, this allows them to get the right people to the contest and open up space in front of them going forward.Player to watch:Romsey - While both sides have plenty of players to watch, the interest will be around the impact of Mitch Farmer in the Romsey midfield. He had an excellent preseason and if he can find the ball is going to be fantastic to watch.
Riddell - Much like Farmer, many will be keen to watch Jarrod Silvester go around for the Bombers and where he might line up, a tall strong footballer that reads the play well and is an excellent ball user.Tip:This is a cracking contest to kick of this season. Two sides that attack the game hard and have the talent to boot. Looking forward to this gameRomsey by 2 points.

Kilmore at home, to give their new coach Nolan an encouraging start to the season with a 29 pt victory over their traditional rivals Wallan. Matt Robertson to play half a game for each side in a specially made half & half jumper !

This season Finchy to find more happiness with the ponies at the track than Broadfords onfield success. Because once again they will find wins hard to come by in 2012. Sunbury Kangas to get the 4 points pretty easy by 37 pts. Jamie Cuffe to get a knighthood & Meacham to keep whinging on FB that people are stealing all his good players !

Hopkins to realise tomorrow just how hard his task will be to get the Woodend boys heads switched on & heading in the right direction in 2012............All 44 of em !!!Rockbank to prevail in a pretty lack lustre contest by 15 pts.

Despite having made NO discernible on field inprovement in a decade, Melton shouldn't have too much trouble disposing of the hapless Lancefield to the tune of 57 pts tomorrow......I mean there really must be something pathetically ingrained with that Tiger jumper. Every team that wears it, plays like poo !

In the battle of the 2 teams treading water for the Mediocrity Cup, I see Macedon getting the chocolates over Diggers Rest. Only just, & only just because they are playing this one at home. Cats by 5 pts......... &
P.S. What is this the 1970's ??? Playing coaches are a thing of the past & will NEVER EVER win a Premiership in ANY decent competition these days. Unfortunately for some clubs, some administrators just dont have a clue !!!

And in the Match of the Round.... Actually its probably the Match of the Year ! That is at least until we get to round 12 when these two sides meet again & we get to have another Match of the Year...... Both these clubs are fair dinkum in 2012. Both these clubs have recruited seriously for a red hot crack at this years Premiership. Its obvious that both Romsey & Riddell football clubs mean business this year & I think it will become more & more apparent as the season progresses that these two sides are streets ahead of the rest, in the race for this seasons RDFL 2012 Premiership.
This should be a mighty clash over at the Romsey ******ation Reserve tomorrow. Both sides have very good coaches who are able to get the upmost out of their charges. Maybe if there is an edge in this game, it maybe that the Bombers, who for so many years have been the "Hunted" of the competition now find themselves free of that burden & are now the "Hunters" !
Riddell know just how hard it is to win back to back flags. Romsey will now have ALL that pressure that goes with climbing that sizeable mountain !
Riddell play very well in the "even" years, ie - 2006/8/10.
The Bombers bounce back very very hard, ie - rnd 1 2010 against reigning Premier Lancefield.
Maybe Premiership hangover factor for Redbacks ???
........................ I dunno ?????............. Riddell by 11 pts.